Hurricane Matthew took lives, homes, schools and roadways from us. It is a storm we’ll be talking about for years. It is a disaster our brothers and sisters in the east will be dealing with for months. Don’t let them go at it alone.

We compiled a list of ways you can help counties across the state recover. You will find information about FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and contact information for the emergency management agencies of the 27 counties FEMA designated for individual federal assistance and for county-specific donation efforts below. This list is not exhaustive. Please send information about how to help your county to hello@bitandgrain.com

Cash is best. Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible, and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through area businesses which supports economic recovery.

Donation drop-offs: Gateway Community Church, 416 W. Bridger St., BurgawHours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pAlso serving as a distribution point for flood victims in need of assistance for residents in the afflicted regions along the Black River Basin and the Northeast Cape Fear River.

PITT COUNTYHotline Phones — (252) 902-3999

Volunteer Resource Coordinator — (252) 902-3976

ROBESON COUNTYEmergency Operations Center — (910) 272-5867

Monetary Donations:Burnt Swamp Baptist Association is working to provide hot meals to people in Lumberton. To support their efforts, mail a check to PO BOX 1207, Pembroke, NC 28732 or visit www.burntswamp.org

The American Indian Center:Abernethy Hall, 31 S. Columbia Street Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514Accepting financial gifts and collecting supplies to take to the Lumbee Tribal CommunityHours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pmFor up-to-date information about what is needed visit here.

SAMPSON COUNTYEmergency Management — (910) 592-8996

TYRELL COUNTYEmergency Management — (252) 793-7636

WASHINGTON COUNTYEmergency Management — (252) 793-4114

WAYNE COUNTYDepartment of Social Services — (919) 580-4034

Monetary Donations:United Way of Wayne CountyAll donations should be made payable to United Way with Disaster Relief Fund shown in the memo of the check, and sent to Post Office Box 73, Goldsboro, NC 27533. Online gifts may be made here.